Redemption

Snake in the Grass

e bottoms of Mackenzie's feet were torn to shreds. Leaving a trail of blood as she made her way doen the road next to Demitri. She tried hiding the pain in her face but it was unbareable. She started limping. Demitri stopped, grabbing her by the arm. Wolfe noticed their sudden stop so he to looked behind. Curious to the hold up.

"Angel your feet! I didn't even notice you didn't have shoes."

"I did but they got....misplaced."

He shook his head, unlaceing his boots. Wolfe walked forward, already speaking out.

"What the hell are you doing Demitri? You're holding us up."

"Kenzie's feet are bleeding. If you hadn't noticed she had her shoes in the tent. You burnt them."

Wolfe looked stunned examining her feet. He didn't dare touch her.

"I can scavenge something...I'll carry her until we find something. I know there's a town ahead."

"You wouldn't have to if you would take the collar off."

"It's not that easy Phoenix. I don't have the right... tools ok."

"Tools? If you don't have to equipment then why use the collar."

"It was burnt in my old camp!!"

Mackenzie blanched. She caused her own imprisonment. There weren't enough curses in the universe to damn herself. She cleared her throat taking a few steps forward, wincing.

"I'll be fine. I've suffered through worse. Once Aciel takes the ward off I'll heal."

"You'll never make it." Interjected Demitri

Wolfe raised his hand. Silencing them both. "She'll make it alittle further. Demiri I trust you can carry her. Since you both dislike me. I know this very well. It's been established. Mackenzie I'm still keeping my promise to protect you."

He turned before she could respond, walking away from them. She closed her eyes, sighing deeply. She would suffer for as long as she could. She had done this to herself so she'd suffer without any more complaints. Wolfe didn't leave the collar on on purpose. He had no choice because of her. Her hand flew up to touch her tender neck.

The ward rested on her shoulders and went up to her jaw. The chainlinked metal allowed her access to move her neck around. Not as much as she'd like, but it wasn't like she'd be fighting. She was registered useless. Phoenix glanced at her, nudging her with his arm.

"Hey Angel, you ok?"

She nodded "Yea....I just. I'm just tired. The life of a mortal is really wearing me out." She forced a fake smile.

"Yea I could imagine," He laughed reaching for her hand to hold again. As he did Wolfe looked back at them. He grimaced and walked off, turning off the path, toward an open fence. It lead into the dark parts of the city, so Demitri kept her walking.

Soon he was picking her up, carrying her over the broken glass and debris. He bounced her on his back, making her giggle. She clutched to him tightly so she wouldn't fall, even though she knew she wouldn't. She'd pull his curls as he made his way down the street, watching them spring back into place.

She suddenly thought about what he had said to Wolfe. His confession stunned her. How could he love someone like her.

"Demitri?"

"Yes angel?"

"You said something earlier....I was wondering how...with someone like me."

He sighed and she could have sworn he had pulled her legs tighter to his sides. Like she'd escape him if he'd loosen his grip.